Taking place in the Apex on Friday 1st December 10:30AM-1:30PM, Jo Churchill MP is hosting an OlderPersons' Information Fair in Bury St. Edmunds. This is a helpful community event, with the specific aim ofproviding information to older people, on a range of issues.

Ultimately it provides an opportunity for would-be service-users to meet service-providers operating in thearea. As well as service-providers and community groups, we have invited those who can provide one-offprovision of information, such as advice around well-being, health, safety and crime (e.g. scam) prevention.We're allocating each organisation a space in which to have a display - posters, leaflets and any props toexplain the group's vision and activities. Attendees can tour the stalls and mingle around the variousactivities going on.

Naturally, the 'stalls' will be interesting and fun. For example, we will have a 'tech corner' giving hands-ontech advice (provided by Realise Futures ) as well as some scam prevention roleplay (organised by SuffolkTrading Standards and their counterparts). It's also possible that this could become a chance to matchpeople up with some well-suited volunteering opportunities.

The organisations attending cover a range of issues: support networks, health, transport, clubs, advice,befriending schemes, arts, older persons' fitness, gardening schemes, police and fire safety, adult learninggroups, volunteering networks, and of course the Rural Coffee Caravan that connects individuals andorganisations in some of our rural locations… and we are looking for forward to seeing the new caravan!Jo hosted a similar event last year in Stowmarket, which was a real success. We want to achieve the samewarm, comfortable, accommodating atmosphere as last year to make the event welcoming for all, butespecially those attending alone; we will have a free refreshments on offer (kindly provided by Sodexo,Apex's caterers), so come and join us for a 'cuppa'.

"We had a great event in Stowmarket last year, bringing people and providers together. The event inBury is building on this success of informing everyone about where help and advice is available, as well assome of the fun things going on in and around Bury. Loneliness and isolation is a growing issue in societyand this is a chance for people to enjoy a drink and a chat", Jo Churchill MP said.

The organisers would like to stress that every member of the community is welcome to attend; attendeescan be sure of a warm greeting and that their presence is valued.